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Sunday, 19 May 2013

Nigeria: 'Zakat Could Check Poverty'

Sokoto — Wealthy Muslims in the country have been reminded on the need to always ensure they carry out the religious duty of paying the compulsory Zakat to the poor.

Chairman of the Sokoto State Zakat and Endowment Committee Alhaji Lawal Maidoki told newsmen in Sokoto at the weekend that regular payment of zakat could enhance socio-economic wellbeing of the downtrodden and check poverty in the society.

"The payment of zakat is compulsory upon any Muslim whose wealth in terms of cash, treasures, farm produce and livestock, among others has reached the prescribed amount and within a period of twelve consecutive months", he said. The chairman said Governor Aliyu Wamakko has given some livestock to the committee as part of his zakat for animals.

"This is the first time we received animals as zakat from any individual", he said. He described the gesture as highly encouraging and commendable".

He added that the governor is also the sole financier of the committee's activities and its district-level counterparts in the 63 districts of the 23 local governments of the state.

Maidoki called on wealthy people in the state to take a cue from this, saying refusal to pay zakat attracts negative consequences.